Elsie Marie DeVries, beloved wife, Mom, Grandma and friend passed peacefully on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 surrounded by family and her faith. She was born on March 18 1924 in Walla Walla, WA to Marie & Walter Lindsay. They moved to Yakima where the family added a brother Walter and sister Ruth both deceased.
Elsie's Dad was employed as the caretaker at a Yakima cemetery where Elsie helped during summers. There, she discovered her green thumb. Because of her love of flowers her gardens flourished wherever she lived. Elsie started her family in Yakima where her first two daughters were born and in 1948 moved to the Tri Cities with her husband Pete. They added 5 more children – 4 more daughters and a son.
Throughout Elsie's busy life, in addition to being a wife, Mother and homemaker, she was active in Christ the King church & school and the Girl Scouts and served as a 3 time president of the Young Ladies Institute YLI. She enjoyed oil painting, gardening, cooking and entertaining family and friends. After most of her children were grown, she worked as the Assistant Manager at Lerner Shops in Columbia Center. Mom was perfect for this job as it enabled her to shine at what she knew best. Pete and Elsie retired in 1981 and built a new home in Packwood where they spent the next 31 years exploring and enjoying the Cascade Mountains. Elsie soon became a vital part of the High Valley Women's Club and organized many activities. Most people in Packwood knew her name and face. One of her favorite responsibilities was a volunteer for the Sheriff's Department where she helped keep her High Valley neighborhood safe. In 2004, unfortunately, Pete passed away. Elsie was able to maintain the home in Packwood for a few years before moving back to the Tri-Cities to be closer to her family.
Throughout her life she was giving, loving and knew no strangers. As the matriarch of our family she guided us, trained us and loved us completely. We will be forever grateful – she was the heart of our family. She is survived by four generations including her daughters Bobbe, Jackie, Pam Lyle, Candy Lee, Gayla Scott, Melodie Duane and son, Lindsay. Her 18 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild loved her as their Grandma Elsie.
The family would like to thank, Deborah and Paige and the staff at Fleur de' Lis. You all wear angel's wings. We'll never forget the kindness you showed our Mom and are grateful for the peace of mind you allowed us to have while she was in your care. We would also like to thank Hospice for their never tiring concern. A rosary will take place Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 6:00 PM at Einan's Funeral Home, 915 By-Pass Highway in Richland, with a Memorial service on Monday, July 16 at 10:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland. There will be a reception in Packwood, WA at a later date. In honor of Elsie and you are planning to attend the service, the family ask that you wear red as it was her favorite color. If you wish in lieu flowers please make a donation to Hospice -1408 Fowler, Richland, WA 99352